Spending plan wins final approval

SANTA ANA The City Council on Monday gave final approval to a two-year spending plan, steering more than a half-million dollars into recreation programs.

In a motion to approve the budget, Councilwoman Michele Martinez moved that $541,000 that had been designated for a general plan and zoning ordinance update go to recreational programs. The 6-0 vote included:

$64,000 in 2013-14 for Willard Intermediate School joint-use park staffing, and $128,000 in 2014-15.

$100,000 in 2013-14 for joint-use Garfield Community Center staffing, and $199,000 in 2014-15.

$25,000 for Independence Day celebrations for each of the fiscal years.

Martinez's motion included a provision making the $541,000 for the land-use updates a priority when the midyear budget review takes place, while Councilwoman Angelica Amezcua added a provision that funds for code enforcement also be considered. The budget passed 6-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Sal Tinajero absent.

The budget, Councilman Vincent F. Sarmiento said, will end furloughs, which resulted in City Hall being closed on Fridays. He added that 74 vacancies will be filled, code enforcement staff will increase from 11 to 15, the parks department will gain four employees, and funding will be set aside for a strategic plan.

Employees were to be notified this week that they would return to their pre-furlough schedules the first week of July, said Interim City Manager Kevin O'Rourke, with further details to be worked out through negotiations.

The document calls for a general fund budget for 2013-14 of $205.7 million to cover basic services. The new fiscal year starts July 1. The general fund budget for 2014-15 is $204.5 million. City officials expect operating reserves of at least $27.1 million over the next two years.

Last year, city leaders were struggling to close a $30 million budget gap and took measures that included contracting with the Orange County Fire Authority for fire protection.

The new budget also takes into account the end of concessions made by two major employee groups, the Service Employees International Union and the Santa Ana Police Officers Association, that helped the city balance its current budget. Those concessions are set to expire June 30.

Both unions are in negotiations with the city.

The council also approved two budget-related resolutions:

A new schedule for miscellaneous fees the city charges will raise about $607,350 in 2013-14. Councilman David Benavides recommended two changes that were incorporated into the schedule that was approved: charging $60 rather than the proposed $85.31 for renewals on residential parking permits; and charging $35 rather than $53 to set up a new city utility services account.

A second resolution deleted and created positions as part of City Hall staffing and reorganization changes.